What Your Band Teacher Might Not Tell You About Instrument Maintenance

Most new music instrument owners are ecstatic at the prospect of joining the school band. They get so caught up in the joy of making music that the details of how to take proper care of their instruments tend to take a backseat. The basics of handling and caring for instruments are probably going to be covered by your band teacher, but there is unlikely enough time to learn the nuances of maintenance regimens for each instrument. So let’s take a look at some general maintenance tips which you might find helpful.

1. Regular Cleaning Matters

Not just to wipe down your instrument after playing, but cleaning in some detail.

Key pads on saxophones need to be cleaned regularly. Your band teacher will likely take the time to teach you how to swab the moisture off of your saxophone after playing but won’t give you specific tips on cleaning the key pads (learn more about saxophone-specific cleaning steps here).

On the other hand, trumpeters must be aware of the fact that the trumpet player should have proper knowledge on how to use valve oil and when to use it and that the action of the moving parts of the trumpet is working by bringing into force the effective practice of tuning slides.

2. Prevention Is Key

Band instructors often speak about the importance of regular service but do not often discuss the preventative measures themselves. Let’s return to our example of the saxophonist. Water droplets accumulating on a saxophone cause its keys to stick, which degrades the tone and can lead to expensive repair if these conditions are not detected early. Preventive service that addresses root causes of damage to an instrument must take place.

3. Environmental Considerations

Your band teacher might not have a lot of time to explain the ways by which environmental factors affect instrument maintenance. For instance, the temperature and humidity may well affect the clarinet or flute because the latter is a woodwind instrument. It may warp the wood or corrode the metal parts, hence affecting performance adversely.

4. Regular Check-Ups

Proper service will keep the instrument you play in the best possible condition, catching problems before they have a chance to become more serious. Routine and regular servicing by competent technicians will keep the saxophone performing at its best. These competent technicians can spot and eliminate mechanical problems that are not visible to naked eye after being cleaned.

Playing in school band is an experience replete with musical discovery. However, it does require too an obligation to maintenance of the instrument beyond what your band teacher may possibly have time to present in class. What is involved with cleaning, prevention, environmental factors, and professional servicing can greatly impact how your instrument sounds and performs over time. These tips ensure any musician, irrespective of his or her profession, ensures that the instruments are kept in the best form and later on allowed to do what matters most: creating lovely music. Remember, the investment you place into your instrument today will pay next tomorrow in terms of better performance and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be cleaning my instrument?

You’ll want to clean your instrument after you are done using it, before putting it away in the case, based on the care steps for each instrument. That all varies on what you’re playing.

How often should I take my instrument in for professional servicing?

For most instruments, a good rule of thumb is to have the instrument serviced by a professional every 12-18 months. Regular maintenance keeps your instrument in optimal playing condition. However, when you begin to observe specific problems such as sticky keys, leaks, or if there’s a change in the tone quality, it’s always best to have your instrument checked through the technician as soon as possible, without even considering your servicing schedule. In turn, being proactive generally prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems that may affect the playing experience.